²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ State alumna lights up the stage on national tour of hit musical
KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 8, 2022
While crisscrossing the nation with a stage company of the hit musical βAinβt Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations,β ²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ State University graduate Chani Maisonet still made time to visit one of her mentors.
More than just catching up with associate professor of voice Jana Young, Maisonet picked up a quick vocal lesson, too. She said thereβs always something to learn, no matter how far along on oneβs career journey.
βThe things my instructors taught me at ²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ State β the knowledge of vocal performance, the repertoire, how to stand properly, what to correct in my voice β still ring in my ears years later,β Maisonet said. βThe teachers really care about wanting you to succeed, and they set you up for that success.β
A 2014 graduate of ²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ Stateβs , Maisonet came through Atlanta recently with a touring production of Tony Award Winner βAinβt Too Proud,β which had a six-night run at the Fox Theatre. The show surveys the six-decade life of the legendary Motown group The Temptations and those closest to them, and Maisonet works as a swing β a performer who can fill multiple roles as needed. She said she acquired the tools necessary to succeed in professional theater during four rigorous years at ²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ State.
βI didn't know how much it meant until I started performing professionally and realized ²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ State so thoroughly prepared me to stand on my own as a performing artist,β she said. βI can stand confidently in audition rooms and onstage thanks to my education and training.β
Before landing at ²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ from Rome, Georgia, Maisonet said she canβt remember a time when she wasnβt singing or performing. Whether it was singing girl-band songs informally with her sisters or performing in church choirs with her mother, Maisonet set her life path from a young age.
Young said she noticed rare ability and poise when Maisonet arrived on campus. She said Maisonet had the magnetism of a born performer with a strong voice honed in resonant church sanctuaries and anywhere else an audience would listen.
βYou could tell there was something different about her,β Young said. βShe conducted herself as a professional from Day One, with impressive focus, discipline and work ethic. Iβm not at all surprised that she has achieved so much at such a young age. And sheβs not done, either.β
Maisonet still has her sights set on Broadway and beyond. For now, sheβll enjoy the ride with βAinβt Too Proud,β while drawing on what she learned during four years in the .
βMy experience at ²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ State has been so impactful on my journey so far,β Maisonet said. βI'm literally living my dream right now thanks to graduating from ²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ State.β
β Dave Shelles
Photos provided
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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, ²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. ²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. ²έΑρΚΣΖ΅ State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.